BA and Ryanair unite against tax

British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and the low-cost carriers Easyjet and Ryanair have spoken with a united voice in opposition to the UK’s Air Passenger Duty, which has risen dramatically since it was introduced almost 20 years ago. They argue that the tax, which is now the equivalent of anywhere between €28 and €200 per passenger, depending on whether the flight is short- or long-haul and on the class passengers are flying, is ultimately dissuading airlines and passengers from flying to Britain and therefore damaging the economy.“This tax is hugely damaging and must be scrapped,” Willie Walsh, chief executive of International Airlines Group, commented.Those backing the tax say it plays an important part in tackling aviation’s impact on climate change. A further rise in the tax of around 10% is expected in 2012.BBC[pictured: British Airways self-service check-in; courtesy oneworld]